







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| I'm sorry, I'm not good at remembering names sometimes! | |
| Oh f*ck off, I've got to go now... | |
| What do you do? | |
| Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | |
| They are both okay for me. | |
| Is it because of the cost, or another reason? | |
| Okay, so what's our plan now? | |
| I don't think it's hay fever! I believe it's from the cat... | |
| Anyway, the flight situation is a bit complicated. | |
| Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | |
| Don't you think it's too far away from the tube station? | |
| Did I? I don't know... What is it? | |
| Yes, sorry, everything seems filthy, but believe me, it's not my fault! | |
| Do you like train rides, too? | |
| Good boy, Beary! See, he is just a little friend. | |
| Okay, how long is it, do you know? | |
| Upstairs, there is Diego and a British couple next to him. | |
| Yes, it is, but yours isn't so obvious. | |
| Are they older or younger? | |
| Do you like red or white onions? | |